These extraordinary and beautiful images may at first glance appear to be modern art pieces, but in fact they're Victorian microscope slides from the collection of Howard Lynk, who specializes in the slide-makers of the 1840s-1860s. Shown here are slides of arranged groups, each painstakingly created using a wide variety of arranged objects, including foraminifera, radiolaria, diatoms, insect and butterfly scales, seeds, sponge spicules, and more — astonishing works of art in miniature. More examples from Howard's wonderful collection on his site (plus a lot of fascinating history) here. Via Seed Magazine.